Package



Jan. L7, 1939. J, s. CROMELIN PACKAGE 2 Sheee'cs--Sheei'l l Filed Apri;17, 1937 Jan. 17, 1939. J, s CROMEUN 2,143,866

PACKAGE Filed April 17, 1957 2 sheets-sheet 2 Patented Jan. 17, 1939UNITED STATES Aldil@ PATENT OFFICE 13 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in cigarette packages, and refersspecifically to a cigarette package characterized in that it is ofconvenient form or shape, is relatively rigid and rugged affordingprotection to the cigarettes contained therein, and is provided withmeans whereby ready and convenient access to the cigarettes carried inthe package may be had.

One of the features of my invention comprises the provision of a packagefor cigarettes or the like which is light in weight and convenient inshape and yet is characterized by its rigidity and ruggedness.

Another feature of my invention resides in the provision of a packagefor cigarettes which can be economically produced, both from thestandpoint of material, and of the operations involved in themanufacture of the package and the packaging of the cigarettes or othercontents.

As a most important feature of my invention, means is provided wherebyconvenient access to the contents of the cigarette package may begained, permitting the removal of cigarettes one at a time withoutdisturbing the remaining cigarettes in the package or causing them to bedisplaced as a result of the removal of one or more cigarettes from thepackage.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent from theacompanying drawings and following detailed description.

In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a side elevational view, parts being brokenaway, of my improved cigarette package.

Fig. 2 is a horizontal sectional view taken on 35 line 2 2 of Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional View taken on line 3 3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional elevational View of aportion of the package illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 5-5 of Fig. Li. n

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of a portion of thetab-carrying top of the package.

Fig. 'i is a fragmentary transverse sectional view, similar to Fig. 5,of a slight modification of my invention.

5o Fig. 8 is a perspective View, parts being broken away, of a modifiedform of my cigarette package.

Fig. 9 is a transverse sectional View of the package shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a development of the frame of the g5 package illustrated inFig. 8.

(Cl. 20G- 56) Fig. 11 `is a fragmentary sectional view taken on lineH-il of Fig. 8.

Fig. 12 is a perspective View of another modification of my invention.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on line I3--I3 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a transverse sectional view of the package shown in Fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary, bottom plan View of the lower framemember.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view taken on line iii-i 6 of Fig. 15.

Referring in detail to the drawings, I indicates a cigarette package ofthe type wherein cigarettes 2 are' disposed side by side in a singlerow. The package l is adapted to accommodate any desired number ofcigarettes, but is preferably constructed to contain twenty cigarettes,the number commonly marketed in packages. By disposing the cigarettesina single row, the package l may be made very thin, permitting itsaccommodation in the breast, side or hip pocket without forming anunsightly bulge; or the same may slip easily into a womans handbag.

The package I comprises essentially a frame or skeleton structure 3 andan outer wrapper fa. The frame 3 is preferably constructed of cardboardor similar relatively heavy material of sufficient caliper to furnishrigidity to the package. I have found that 15 point fibrous board servesadmirably for the frame, but I do not wish to be limited to thisthickness since the board may be selected, as to thickness, inconformity with `rigidity or ruggedness desired. The wrapper il,

on the other hand, serves a different function,

namely, that of an envelope or covering and accordingly may comprise arelatively light paper having a desired finish or coating. I have foundthat an 80 pound Litho paper serves ideally, but, of course, myinventioncontemplates a paper of any weight' or nish desired. However, as will behereinafter more fully described, it is desirable that the wrapper ,orat least that portion of the wrapper which covers the top of thepackage, be of short fibre so that it may be easily torn.

The frame 3 is constructed in the form of a relatively narrow unitarystrip of material, of an effective width substantially equal to thediameter of the usual cigarette. The strip is folded transversely atspaced intervals along its length to provide a top 5, ends 6 and 'i anda bottom 3, the two ends of the strip terminating at a corner of thepackage, as indicated at 9 in Fig. 1.

In this form of my invention, the top 5 is of CIK greater width than themembers 6, 'I and 8, said top being provided with two integral sideflanges score lines I2 so as to be disposed at right anglesV to the tabsI3. The remaining frame members are formed by folding the strip alongthe respective transverse lines to form the corners of the package.These transverse folded lines vare so arranged that the length of theends 6 and I is substantially equal to the length of the cigarettes 2 sothat the cigarettes can be snugly positioned side by side between thetop and bottom. It is preferable that there be, when the package iscompletely assembled, a very slight pressure at the tops and bottoms ofthe cigarettes so that relative slipping or displacement of thecigarettes will not take place when one or more cigarettes are removedfrom the package. The wrapper 4 is then positioned over the cigarettesthus embraced by the frame 3 and is properly folded and sealed toprovide an en' velope for the cigarettes and frame.

The envelope may be sealed by gluing, pasting, cementing or the like orthe envelope may be heat sealed. The wrapper is preferably sealed at theends of the package, but may, if found desirable, be sealed elsewhere onthe package.

To gain access to the contents of the package I, the ngernail may beused to sever the wrapper at the corner 9. It will be noted that the endI terminates short of the top at this corner leaving a slot I4unsupported by the frame and only covered by the wrapper. At this point,of course, the wrapper may be easily severed. It will also be noted thatthe top 5, that is, the endmost tab I3 overhangs the endmost cigarette 2whereby purchase may be obtained at the edge of the tab I3. The endmosttab I 3 may then be raised, as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4, the tabbeing severed along the opposite score-lines I2. Simultaneously, thewrapper embracing the tab I3 is also severed being of easily severablestock. It can readily be seen that when the tab I3 is thus raised, ithinges along the cross-portion of the L.shaped score-lines defining theadjacent tab I3. By exerting a slight lateralpull upon the tab, the samemay then be severed from the next adjacent tab exposing the rst orendmost cigarette 2. 'Ihe package may then be tapped or jarred in wellknown fashion to cause the endmost cigarette, now unconned at its top,to slip outwardly whereby it may be readily grasped.

Due to manufacturing peculiarities in the making of the cigarette, somecigarettes may be of smaller or larger diameters than others; or somemay be packed harder thanothers and may resist squeezing to a greaterdegree. To compensate or provide for this irregularity, I purposely formthe endmost tab I3 slightly larger than the remaining tabs I3. Thisnormally necessitates making the endmost tab I3 at the opposite end ofthe top correspondingly smaller. By this provision, inasmuch as thepackage will be opened 'adjacent the tab.I3', the removal of any tab insequence will always expose at least one full cigarette. Y

In forming the score-lines I2, small ridges I5 protrude from the bottomface of the tabs. Although theseridges are relatively small theyfunction to retain the cigarettes in their proper positions until theirrespective confining tabs are raised. This, of course, prevents theunused cigarettes from slipping or tilting within the package.

As shown best in Figs. 15 and 16 the bottom 8 may be provided withspaced indentations I5 which may be stamped in the lower face of thebottom thereby providing projections I 6 upon the upper face of thebottom member. It is preferable that the projections be relatively smallso as not to impair the strength of the bottom member and also that insection said projections be formed ratchet-fashion, with the longtapered side toward the end of the package which is to be opened. It canreadily be seen that by the provision of the projections IS the unusedcigarettes will be prevented from shifting when one or more cigarettesare removed from the package.

My cigarette package constructed as hereinbefore described is of lightweight, convenient shape and extremely rugged. The construction of thepackage is such that, in spite of the sparing use of heavy material, itis exceptionally rigid. The rigidity is obtained primarily through theassistance of the envelope o-r wrapper which, when the package istwisted or subjected to torsion, is immediately placed in tension, thusresisting any efforts which may tend to distort or displace the framefrom its normal position. In addition, by the provision of the sideflanges Ill and II, the top is reinforced against stresses which tend tocompress the cigarettes endwise.

In a slightly modied form of my package, the flanges lil and II may beformed separate from the tab-carrying top. Such a construction isillustrated in transverse section in Fig. 7 wherei in Illa and I Iacomprise the separate side flanges. In this construction it isunnecessary to provide the staffs or longitudinal score-lines and onlycross score-lines are provided on the top I3a. The remainingconstruction is similar to that described in conjunction with thepackage I.

Of course, one of the important features of my invention resides in thescored or perforated top whereby tabs may be torn 01T one by one toexpose and gain access to the cigarettes. Io avoid difficulty insevering the tabs, it will be noted in both constructions hereinbeforedescribed, the tabs may be torn from a body (the remaining portion ofthe Itop and the side flanges) which is reinforced to resist the tearingstresses. In other words, by the provision of thev side flanges ill andll, or Illa and IIa which may be adhesively united to the envelope orwrapper, an upward pull on one of the Vtabs immediately sets the sidewalls of the wrapper in tension and provides an anchorage against whichthe pull may be exerted. In this manner the tearing of one tab will nottend to be entirely resisted by the next adjacent tab.

Referring particularly toFigs. 8, 9, 10 and 1l, another modication of myinvention is illustrated. In this form of my invention a frame I6 and awrapper il is used. The frame I6 is constructed of a material similar tothe frame 3 and the wrapper I 'i may comprise the same material as thatcomprising wrapper 4.

Frame I comprises astrip of cardboard or the like which is cut toprovide a plurality of spaced notches I'I. The strip is adapted to befolded longitudinally along the lines I8 and I9 to divide the strip`into three sections, namely, side flanges 2l) and 2i and a centralsection 22. 'I'he strip is also transversely folded along the spacedlines 23, 23 and 25 to divide the strip into ends 26 and 2'?, bottom 28and topi 29. To facilitate tbe folding of the strip I6, the materialcomprising said strip may be scored along the lines -I8 and I9, andlines i3, 24 and 25.

To assemble the package, the strip I6 is folded along the lines I8 andI9 so as to dispose the side ang-es at right-angles to the centralsection 22. Cigarettes 3B may be positioned in a row With their bottomends resting upon theY central section 22 of the bottom 28, the lowersides ofthe cigarettes being embraced by the side flanges 20 and 2! ofthe bottom. The strip may then be folded along lines 23, 24 and 25 todispose the respective frame members at right-angles to each other, theside iianges overlapping each other in progressive fashion around theperiphery of the frame. The Wrapper I'I is then applied to the frame inthe manner hereinbefore described in conjunction with package I.

Similar to package I, the top 29 is scored or perforated to provide aplurality of removable tabs 3i, andthe endmost tab 3i at one end islarger than the remaining tabs 3|, the endmost tab 3i at the oppositeend being smaller than the tabs 3i. Similar to package I, the tab 3ioverhangs the endmost cigarette 3U and the end oi the frame member 21 isspaced from the top, as shown at 32 in Fig. 8, whereby the wrapper Ilmay be readily punctured to lift the first tab 3I.

It can readily be seen that, in essence, the package illustrated inFigs. 8, 9, l0 and 11 is similar to the package i except that sideiianges are provided for each frame member. Other- Wise, the function ofall the coresponding parts is the same as in package i. Of course, bythe provision of th-e side anges 2i! and 2 I, a stronger package can be`constructed, or for the same strength, lighter Weight materials may beused.

Referring particularly to Figs. 12, 13 and 14, another modification ofmy invention is shown, wherein 32 indicates my modied cigarette package.In this form of my invention, the skeleton frames of the formshereinbefore described are supplanted by a substantially completelyenclosed inner box 33 constructed entirely of the heavier boardhereinbefore described in conjunction with the frames 3 and i6. The box33 comprises` two end Walls 3Q (one only of which is illustrated), abottom Wall 35, top Wall 36, and side Walls 3'! and 38, all formed froma single blank and appropriately scored and folded to dispose thevarious Walls at right-anglesto each other. A Wrapper 39 similar toWrapper i and I'I em.- braces the box i3 after cigarettes 4l) have beenpacked therein in side by side relation.

In this form of my invention the top Wall 36 is provided withappropriately .spaced L-shaped perforations 4I, similar to the scoresI2, in order to form the separable tabs d2. Provision for the convenientpuncturing of the Wrapper is also made at the corner d3, the samerelationship existing between the top wall 36 and the end Wall 3A ashereinbefore described in conjunction with the skeleton form of frame.

Of course, by the provision of the separable tabs d2 comprising the topWall 36 convenient access may be gained to the contents of the package32 and in this respect all forms of my invention are similar. However, amore rigid, rugged and durable package can be made in using the innerbox 33.

It is to be understood, of course, that I do not wish to be limited tothe specific type of materials used, since my invention is operativewhen used With a wide variety of materials. Further, my package may beused for commodities other than cigarettes; for instance, my package maybe used for cigars, small or full size, stick candy or the like.Wrappers as comprising a unitary sheet, the use of one or more sheets iscontemplated. For eX- ample, a long-fibre paper or a paper high intensile strength, may be used to cover the sides, ends and bottom of thepackage, wher-eas a short-fibre i.

or easily tearable material may cover the top as is clearly shown in thesections illustrated in Figs. 5 and 7. In this connection, transparentCellophane or the like may be used to cover the sides, ends and bottomand an easily tearable sheet material may cover the top. The advantagesof a package having transparent walls, as is the case Where my skeletonframe construction is used With Cellophane, of course, are obvious.Consequently, I do not wish to be limited as to size,

materials, or product to be packaged except as necessitated by the priorart.

Although the projections I5 are not shown in all of my modifications, itis to be understood that they may be formed. if desired, upon the lowerAframe member.

I claim as my invention:

l. A package for cigarettes which comprises a frame constructed ofrelatively rigid material embracing a plurality of cigarettes disposedside by" v side in a single row, a Wrapper of relatively flexible sheetmaterial enveloping said frame and cigarettes, the portion of the frameadjacent one end of said cigarettes being scored to define a pluralityof separable tabs corresponding in number 1 to the number of cigarettesconfined.

2. A package for cigarettes which comprises a frame constructed ofrelatively rigid material embracing a plurality of cigarettes disposedside by side in a single row, a Wrapper of relatively iiexible sheetmaterial enveloping said frame and cigarettes, the portion of the frameadjacent one end of said cigarettes being scored to deiine a pluralityof separable tabs corresponding in number to the number of cigarettesconi-ined, and substantially corresponding in position with the ends ofthe respective cigarettes.

3. A package for cigarettes comprising a strip of relatively rigidmaterial folded to form a substantially close rectangular frame, saidframe being adapt-ed to embrace a plurality of cigarettes disposed sideby side in a single row within said frame, a wrapper of relativelyflexible sheet material enveloping said frame and cigarettes, theportion of said frame adjacent one end oi said cigarettes being Scoredto define a plurality of separable tabs corresponding in number to thenumber of cigarettes.

4. A package for cigarettes comprising a strip of relatively rigidmaterial ofwidth substantially yequal to the diameter of a cigarettefolded to form a substantially close rectangular frame, said frame beingadapted to embrace a plurality of cigarettes disposed side by side in asingle row Within said frame, a Wrapper of relatively iiexible sheetmaterial enveloping said frame and cigarettes, the portion of said frameadjacent one end of said cigarettes being scored to dene a plurality ofseparable tabs corresponding in number to the number of cigarettes.

In addition, although.l I have described my i' ill) 5. A package forcigarettes comprising a strip of relatively rigid material folded toform the top, bottom and both ends of a substantially closedrectangular, frame, said frame being adapted to embrace a plurality ofcigarettes disposed side by side parallel to the ends of the frame in asingle rovv Within said frame,v a wrapper of relatively flexible sheetmaterial enveloping said frame and cigarettes, the top of said framebeing scored to define a plurality of separable tabs corresponding innumber to the number of cigarettes, and side flanges constructed ofmaterial similar to that comprising the frame disposed adjacent andcoextensive with the top of the frame, said side flanges also beingenveloped by the Wrapper.

6. A package for cigarettes comprising a strip of relatively rigidmaterial folded to form the top, bottom and both ends of a substantiallyclosed rectangular frame, said frame being adapted to embrace aplurality of cigarettes disposed side by side parallel to the ends ofthe frame in a single row within said frame, a Wrapper of relativelyflexible sheet material enveloping said frame and cigarettes, the top ofsaid frame being scored to dene a plurality of separable tabscorresponding in number to the number of cigarettes, and side flangesformed integral with the top frame member and coeXtensive there-Vithfolded on each' side of said top frame member, said side flanges alsobeing enveloped by the wrapper.

7. A package for cigarettes comprising a strip of relatively rigidmaterial folded to form the top, bottom and both ends of a substantiallyclosed rectangular frame, said strip being folded longitudinally to formside anges on each side of said top, bottom and ends, said frame beingadapted to embrace a plurality of cigarettes disposed side by sideparallel to the ends of the frame in a single row Within said frame, aWrapper of relatively ilexible sheet material enveloping said frame andcigarettes, the top of said frame being scored to dene a plurality ofseparable tabs corresponding in number to the number of cigarettes, andside flanges constructed of material similar to that comprising theframe disposed adjacent and coextensive with the top of the frame, saidside flanges also being enveloped by the Wrapper.

8. A package for cigarettes comprising an inner member constructed ofrelatively rigid material defining a box-like body, said body beingadapt-ed to carry a plurality of cigarettes side by side in contiguousrelationship in a single roW, an outer member comprising a Wrapper ofrelatively exible sheet material enveloping said body, the portion ofsaid body adjacent one end of said cigarettes being scored to dene aplurality of separable tabs corresponding in number with the number ofcigarettes carried by said body, and substantially corresponding inposition With the ends of the respective cigarettes, the endmost tab atone end being larger than the remaining tabs.

9. A package for cigarettes comprising an inner member constructed ofrelatively rigid material dening a box-like body, said body beingadapted to carry a plurality of cigarettes side by side in contiguousrelationship in a single row, an outer member comprising a Wrapper ofrelatively flexible sheet material enveloping said body, the portion ofsaid body adjacent one end of said cigarettes being scored to define aplurality of separable tabs corresponding in number with the number ofcigarettes carried by said body and substantially corresponding inposition with the ends of the respective cigarettes, the

end of said cigarettes being scored to dei-lne a plurality of separabletabs corresponding in number to the number of cigarettes confined, andsubstantially corresponding in position with the ends of the respectivecigarettes, the endmost tab at one end being larger than the remaining ftabs.

l1. A package for cigarettes Which comprises a frame constructed ofrelatively rigid material embracing a plurality of cigarettes disposedside by side in a single row, a Wrapper of relatively iiexible sheetmaterial enveloping said frame and cigarettes, the portion of the frameadjacent one end of said cigarettes being scored to define a pluralityof separable tabs corresponding in number to the number of cigarettesconned, and substantially corresponding in position with the ends of therespective cigarettes, the endmost tab at one end being larger than theremaining tabs, and the endmost tab at the opposite end being smallerthan the remaining tabs.

12. A package for cigarettes which comprises a frame construction ofrelatively rigid material embracing a plurality of cigarettes disposedside by side in a single row, a wrapper of relatively flexible sheetmaterial enveloping said frame and cigarettes, the portion of the frameadjacent one end of said cigarettes being scored to dene a plurality ofseparable tabs corresponding in number to the number of cigarettesconfined, said tabs having means extending inwardly into the tobacco ofthe cigarettes.

13. A package for cigarettes which comprises a frame construction ofrelatively rigid material embracing a plurality of cigarettes disposedside by side in a single row, a Wrapper of relatively flexible sheetmaterial enveloping said frame and cigarettes, the portion of the frameadjacent one end of said cigarettes being scored to define a pluralityof separable tabs corresponding in number to the number of cigarettesconned, said tabs having means extending inwardly into the tobacco ofthe cigarettes, and means at the bottom of said package extendinginwardly into the tobacco of the cigarettes to maintain said cigarettesin xed position within said package.

JOHN S. CROMELIN.

Cil

